Do you still think that mountain bikers and the Sierra Club are "allies"??? By supporting mountain biking and the failed Park City Agreement, we are alienating our REAL allies, while trying to catch these fake allies.
Mike
Date: Sun, 15 Apr 2001 08:25:54 -0700
From: John Gardiner <john@johngardiner.com>
Subject: Sierra Singletrack Threatened
Friends:
As you may know, the California Wilderness Coalition has declared plans to make the Grouse Ridge area a designated federal wilderness area. If they are successful in this effort, you will never ride your bike there again. Those of you who have ridden Grouse Ridge know that it offers superb High Sierra riding. Beautiful vistas and technical terrain make this my personal favorite. I prefer it to any riding in the greater area, including Downieville. Most riders don't realize how close Grouse Ridge is to Sacramento and the Bay Area.
You can help protect your access to these fantastic trails. Below is a sample letter. Write your own or edit it as you see fit. The important thing is to send your letter to the entities below. The time to act is now. For updates on this issue, visit the BONC website <http://www.bonc.org>.
Tim Blumenthal
IMBA
1121 Broadway Ste 203
P.O. Box 7578
Boulder, CO 80306
Senator Barbara Boxer
112 Senate Hart Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-3553
Senator@Boxer.Senate.Gov
Senator Dianne Feinstein
United States Senate
331 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
senator@feinstein.senate.gov
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Madam/Sir:
As an avid bicyclist, I am concerned about proposals to designate the Grouse Ridge area in the Tahoe National Forest as a federal wilderness area.
This area offers cyclists and other outdoor enthusiasts unparalleled recreational opportunities. Bicyclists throughout Northern California use trails in the area as a means to experience the High Sierra in a manner that is respectful of the environment and healthful.
Designation of this area as wilderness would eliminate any and all such recreation at Grouse Ridge. In addition to the loss of opportunities for cyclists, other users would suffer as well. Under the stewardship of the National Forest Service, local bicycle clubs have for years built and maintained trails at Grouse Ridge for all to enjoy. This has helped prevent trail erosion and other hazards.
There are other designations and plans the federal government can enforce to protect this area. These other strategies involve the benefit of environmental protection, without needlessly eliminating access to those who seek to enjoy the area.
Please do not limit access to Grouse Ridge. It means a tremendous amount to visitors of the area, including bicyclists.